What hinders demining in Ukraine: four systemic challenges

After the full-scale invasion, Ukraine became the most mined country in the world, with the area of potentially dangerous territories reaching about 137 thousand km². To return these lands to the people and restore the economy, the government has developed a National Mine Action Strategy until 2033 (with the participation of the Ukrainian Deminers Association). It envisages clearing about 80% of the de-occupied territories within ten years.

However, this ambitious goal faces serious challenges, ranging from the dispersion of powers among government agencies to lack of funding and problems with tenders.

Challenge #1. Lack of a clear hierarchical system of mine action in Ukraine